My 100th Bento - Happy Children Bento

Yay! I finally made my 100th bento :)!! It took AGES to make this, but in the end it was worth it, because I think my 100th bento looks pretty cute and festive.

To be honest, I had no idea what to make for my 100th bento. I really liked Nami's idea (from Just One Cookbook) that I should make all the characters I have made so far into one huge celebratory bento. I would actually even do it if I had the time (and the nerves!), but I think I would die in the process ;). So in the end I resolved to do something much simpler but cute enough - little children in animal suits ;).

The children-shaped rice balls (uupps ;)!!) are dyed with decofuri, except the yellow tiger suit, which I coloured with curry powder. As far as I know decofuri is made with natural ingredients, such as edamame for green, pumpkin for orange, etc. But I am not so sure, please do correct me if I am wrong!

All onigiris are filled with chicken katsu with mayo. Eating plain rice is not very yummy as know. So this bento is absolutely not bland in taste :). The 100 numerals are from carrot and cheese. It could have looked much better if I had numeral cutters...:(.

In the other box, I had some teriyaki drumsticks, tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), three radishes and pan-fried prawn and kimchi fritters. My husband loved the fritters - which unfortunately don't look so visible in the pictures. The recipe is very simple even though I don't have the exact measurements, so the recipe below is just based on my estimation). I am very Asian when I cook, I always use my gut feelings - probably the reason why I never really succeed in baking ;).

Prawn and Kimchi Fritters

• 100 prawns, chopped
• 50 grams kimchi, chopped
• 1 egg
• 100 gram flour
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
  
• 1 tablespoon chopped red onions

Directions

Mix all ingredients well. Drop fritter batter by spoonfuls into an oiled pan and fry until both sides of the fritters are golden brown.

I my previous post I mentioned that I wanted to do something special to celebrate my 100th bento. I have given this some thoughts and I came to the conclusion that holding a bento contest would be the most fun (for me ;)). Everybody around the world would be able to participate and since CasaBento has very kindly offered to sponsor this contest, there will be some super nice bento goodies as well for the winners. I have also asked two very talented ladies from the blogsphere, Nami from Just One Cookbook and Lia from Bentolicious, to help me co-host the contest. I am greatly honoured and touched by their willingness to help me doing my first bento contest...!! I will officially announce the bento contest inclusive the details on how to enter in the near future. So please stay tuned :D)!!